You can save a ton of money shopping at thrift stores, but those low prices mean you can also end up with a bunch of junk you don’t need. This simple rule of thumb will keep your thrift store clutter under control.

Marlen Komar at Apartment Therapy suggests you ask yourself one important question before you ring up at the register:

Would you buy it if it were in a department store?

Is this an item you need that you’re looking to save on? Or is this just something that’s piqued your interest because it’s so cheap? If you wouldn’t be willing to buy it new for more in a department store, maybe you don’t really want it that bad. It’s easy to make exceptions when something only costs a couple bucks, but there’s no point in filling your home with clothes and knickknacks that won’t add any real value to your life.